The Parole Board is set to consider a fresh application for release from Jon Venables, one of the killers of two-year-old James Bulger, in a move that has plunged the toddler's family back into profound distress.
Latest Bid for Freedom Reopens Old Wounds
Venables, now 43, will have his case examined at an oral hearing, more than two years after his last appeal was rejected. In 2023, the board concluded he remained a danger to children and was likely to reoffend.
A spokesperson for James's family stated that this new process once again "reopens unimaginable trauma" for his loved ones. James's mother, Denise Fergus, was informed of the upcoming hearing on Tuesday, with it expected to take place next month, although the Parole Board has not yet confirmed a date.
A History of Violence and Recall
Venables and Robert Thompson, both aged ten, abducted, tortured and murdered James Bulger after taking him from the Strand shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993.
After serving a custodial sentence, Venables was released on licence in July 2001. His freedom has been revoked twice since for possessing indecent images of children: first in February 2010 and again in November 2017 after a period of re-release in August 2013.
His case was last formally reviewed by parole judges in September 2020.
Family's Anguish and Procedural Changes
Kym Morris, speaking on behalf of Denise Fergus, told the Daily Mirror: "Once again, Denise Fergus has been forced to confront a process that reopens unimaginable trauma. Denise was hoping for a redirection … allowing her a measure of peace and protection from further distress. That hope has now been taken away."
In a development under recent justice system reforms, Ms Fergus's application to observe the private parole hearing has been granted. Since April, victims have been permitted to attend such hearings as part of national efforts to increase transparency and confidence in the process.
The Parole Board's decision, which will focus solely on whether Venables continues to pose a significant risk to the public, is awaited with acute anxiety by James Bulger's family and will be scrutinised nationwide.
